EVERTON may well have had one eye on the long term future when they announced plans recently to freeze season ticket prices for all junior school children at £5 per game for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign.

Following its introduction this season the move – which equates to a £95 season ticket – has proved popular with supporters at Goodison Park.

The number of under 16s securing a full season ticket increased by 39% for the 2012/13 season, and this was followed by a 157% increase in the number of juniors becoming half season ticket holders since December.

Chief executive Robert Elstone said: “Every year we spend a lot of time considering season ticket pricing.

“We appreciate that buying a season ticket is the single biggest commitment that a supporter can make to the club and on the other hand, season tickets make up the biggest proportion of our matchday income so we have to make sure the pricing is right for us and it’s right for the fans too.

“Once again this year we have spoken to supporters, including the fans’ forum, about the pricing structure and we are proud that we are continuing to offer our youngest fans the opportunity to come through the turnstiles for the incredible price of £5 per Premier League game.”